Nicol and Bishop star in Rhinos' dowfall

The one-day match between two of the most successful teams of the season so far ended in a convincing victory by Mashonaland Eagles, the visiting team. The balance was tilted strongly in their favour, though, by the performances of two newly recruited overseas stars, Rob Nicol, a member of the present New Zealand touring team but not playing in the concurrent T20 match between Zimbabwe and New Zealand, and Ryan Bishop, a South African-born Englishman who has yet to play first-class cricket.

After Mashonaland Eagles won the toss, Nicol and Bishop took charge of the bowling in a fine stand of 161 in 31 overs for the second wicket. Nicol went on to score a century in his first innings on Zimbabwean soil, 102, while Bishop, the team’s wicketkeeper, made 76. The most spectacular batting, though, came from Stuart Matsikenyeri, who had previously scored few runs this season, but now, coming in to bat after the best possible foundation had been laid, launched into the bowling with such brilliant strokeplay that he hit 80 not out off only 37 balls, with twelve fours. Mike Chinouya was the best bowler, with three for 67, but even he could not escape the plundering bats of these three, who took their total to 308 for five.

The home batsmen never looked like being up for the challenge. The only bright spot was a partnership of 64 for the fourth wicket between Remembrance Nyathi (34) and Riki Wessels (33). Otherwise wickets fell regularly and the final total was a mere 169. Trevor Garwe was the most successful bowler with three for 39, while Tino Mutombodzi bowled his leg-spinners very well and deserved more than his two wickets.